Inlays & Onlays in San Marino, CA
Strong, Conservative Restorations for Damaged Teeth
A Seamless Solution Between a Filling and a Crown
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling — but not damaged enough for a full crown — inlays and onlays provide the ideal middle-ground solution. At the San Marino dental office of Dr. Fary Yassamy, we offer custom inlays and onlays that restore strength and beauty while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Patients from San Marino, Alhambra, and surrounding communities trust our practice for restorations that look natural, last for years, and support whole-mouth health.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations — meaning they are custom-made outside the mouth (usually in a lab) and bonded into place. They are used when damage or decay is too extensive for a regular filling, but not severe enough to require a crown.
- Inlays fit inside the grooves of a tooth, between the cusps
- Onlays cover one or more cusps, repairing a larger area of the tooth’s surface
Both options are often made from porcelain or ceramic for a natural look and strong, durable finish.
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Compared to traditional fillings or crowns, inlays and onlays offer several key advantages:
- Preserve more natural tooth structure
- Strengthen and reinforce the remaining tooth
- More precise fit than standard fillings
- Resistant to wear and stains
- Longer-lasting — often 10–20 years with proper care
- Blends naturally with surrounding enamel for seamless aesthetics
These restorations are especially useful for back teeth that handle a lot of chewing pressure.
When Are Inlays or Onlays Recommended?
Dr. Yassamy may recommend an inlay or onlay if:
- A tooth has moderate decay or damage
- A large filling is breaking down or failing
- There is a risk of further fracture without full coverage
- You want a more conservative alternative to a crown
- You need to replace old metal or discolored fillings
We always take a minimally invasive approach — preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
What to Expect During the Process
Receiving an inlay or onlay typically takes two visits:
Visit 1:
- We remove any decay or old filling material
- Take impressions or digital scans of the tooth
- Place a temporary restoration while your custom piece is made
Visit 2:
- We remove the temporary
- Fit and bond the custom inlay/onlay
- Make minor adjustments to ensure bite comfort and natural contour
We use high-quality dental ceramics for a strong, lifelike result that blends beautifully with your smile.
Why Choose Dr. Yassamy for Inlays & Onlays?
Dr. Yassamy blends her expertise in cosmetic and restorative dentistry with a conservative, whole-health philosophy. Her goal is always to protect your natural tooth for as long as possible — while restoring comfort and function.
Patients appreciate her:
- Precision-driven approach to minimally invasive restorations
- Use of durable, biocompatible materials
- Attention to bite balance and muscle function
- Warm, personalized care in a comfortable setting
Explore more of our restorative dentistry services to see how we protect and preserve your natural smile.
Schedule a Consultation for Inlays or Onlays
If you’ve been told you need a large filling or crown, let’s explore a conservative solution. Inlays and onlays offer strong, beautiful results — without unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, they can last 10–20 years or more. They’re more durable than composite fillings and less invasive than full crowns.
Are inlays and onlays better than crowns?
Not necessarily better — just more conservative. If the damage is limited, inlays and onlays help preserve more of your natural tooth.
Will they match my teeth?
Yes. We color-match your restoration for a seamless, natural appearance. Most people won’t notice you’ve had work done.
Are they covered by insurance?
Often, yes — especially if the tooth is structurally compromised. Our team will help you understand your benefits and financing options.
Is the procedure painful?
No. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Still have questions?
Protect and Preserve Your Smile — with Precision
Inlays and onlays offer the best of both worlds: strength and subtlety. Let us help you restore your tooth with care that’s minimally invasive and maximally effective.